Welcome to my home in the blogosphere. I'll be exploring my favorite books, movies, and the writing world in general, along with discovering my new home, California. I'll also be sharing my old home, New Hampshire with you. Thanks for popping in and I hope you enjoy some romance under the moonlight.

I'm a member of EPIC, Writing.com, and Military Writers of America

A Gentleman and a Rogue

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my steampunk romance: A Lady Never Lies, Book 3 in The Windsor Diaries. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

This snippet: Jocelyn meets Richard under not-so-good circumstances.

*****

Jocelyn froze, stunned to find herself
face-to-face with Richard. She'd hoped he'd come back for her, but not like
this. She brushed aside her sudden surge of happiness as she glanced at her
father. He struggled to maintain his composure.

"We need to leave," the doctor
said.

"Lord Ridgecroft, come." Sir
John nudged Jocelyn's father and they began walking toward the exit.

Richard rushed to her side, placing a hand
on her elbow. His expression filled with longing -- and concern, "Jocelyn--"

She raised a hand, "I can't--"****

A Lady Never Lies is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book three in "The Windsor Diaries." Richard travels back in time to win Jocelyn's heart, but will she leave her ailing father?

Set in Sherwood Forest in the 1230's, Strickland creates a
world filled with magic and wonder. The Forest thrives on the magic that is
guarded by a triad. Can Lark, Falcon, and Linnet put aside their differences
when they assume the next triad or is the Forest doomed to be overrun by the
Normans?

The village of Oakham is attacked and the villagers take a
Norman knight, Gareth de Vavasour prisoner, but not before they lose one of
their own, Martin Scarlet. Martin's death propels Linnet, Falcon and Lark to
assume duties in the triad that protects the Forest.

Linnet is a healer who tends to Gareth. Soon, she falls in
love with him, to her sister's disapproval. How can Linnet hope to have a
future with the enemy? If the magic of Sherwood has its way, Linnet may get her
heart's desire, but it may cost her Lark and Falcon, ruining the triad before
it has a chance to flourish.

Strickland's writing easily draws the reader into Linnet's
world. The accents aren't overdone. Her imagination shines against the backdrop
of the dark forest. The author uses a good economy of words that allows one to
visualize the setting without slowing down the pace.

The characters are dynamic and interesting. Linnet is a
healer, honest, and true. She follows her heart, but can she be mentally strong
and courageous in the face of adversity? Gareth strives to be noble and heroic,
but his beliefs and convictions are put to the test during his trails in the
forest. Will love show him that he can have two worlds? What's unique is how
the setting comes alive as its own character, influencing events – and hearts.

Champion of Sherwood is a historical romance with mainstream
love scenes that capture the intensity between Gareth and Linnet. The story is
full of adventure. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading
the other books in the series. While part of a series, this book reads well as
a stand alone. The magic within the "Champion of Sherwood" insists
one turn the pages, just as it pushes Linnet and Gareth toward their destiny.

Ever wondered why your child covered their ears when you
knew they didn't have an ear infection? Or wondered why they would spin around
in circles for minutes on end? Or why they couldn't stand tags in their clothes
when everything else seemed "normal?" This comprehensive book on
sensory integration disorder offers explanations and ways for parents to
recognize and manage SID in their children.

What I appreciated was how easy the book was to read. It
broke down a tough to understand concept and made it simple to relate to. The
definitions were clear and practical.

The disorder is characterized by the brain inaccurately
processing information from the senses. The person afflicted then makes an inaccurate
judgment regarding touch, sight, movement, taste, and sound.

The book helps readers understand how important the
vestibular and proprioceptive sense are, explains hypersensitivity and
hyposensitivity, along with the importance of motor planning and hypotonia (low
muscle tone.)

This book also helped me understand how my son got SID. The
chapter on lookalike problems such as ADD, ADHD, OCD and behavioral issues was
the most informative, and will assist me to better articulate to my child's
teachers what to look for and how to approach my son.

I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers who
interact with children that have SID. It is a gold mine of information written
in such a way that it is easy to understand.

Question for you: Do you know of anyone with a sensory processing disorder? Do you have any resources you'd recommend?

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

At 33 weeks
pregnant, Amy is certain something bad will soon happen, it has too many times
before. Deep down she fears it’s only a matter of time before the baby she’s
carrying will die. Despite the fact that Amy has been repeatedly slapped in the
face with multiple miscarriages, she still can’t seem to quiet that tiny voice
in the back of her head that’s screaming at her to not give up hope.

Follow
Amy’s true story as she stumbles through her journey with humor and warmth all
while dealing with the neuroses that come along with getting her hopes
shattered time and time again. All she has to do is close her eyes and she’s
lurched back to the memories of her losses on the floor in her bathroom, in the
hospital, and even at her place of work. No one knows what the internal mind of
a woman who’s lost five babies and suffered this many let downs goes through. Can
Hope ever truly survive memories such as these?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

“You’ll need to
take that necklace off before we go Amy, so don’t forget.” Nurse Micaela said
as she was typing into the computer next to the bed.

My
hands instantly went to touch my five gold rings hanging from an old leather
strap around my neck. My five gold rings for my five angel babies. I swallowed
and silently prayed I would not make another angel.

I
fumbled the clasp behind my neck and suddenly, the clasp broke and all five
gold rings fell to the cold linoleum floor, clinking along the bed rail on
their way down. “Kevin. My rings, they fell! Oh my God,” Shock and panic washed
over me. It’s a sign; a bad sign. My baby
isn’t going to make it. My angels are telling me to prepare for the other shoe
to drop. Another nightmare headed our way.

I
sat on the side of the bed while Kevin and Micaela searched the floor to find
all five. Tears threatened my lower eyelids and I whispered, “This is really
bad. This can’t be good. I’m losing her Kevin,” My chin trembled and my face
twisted in pain as the tears poured down my face and sobs freed themselves from
my throat.

Micaela
looked up at me seriously, “NO! This isn’t a bad sign. This could be a good
sign. Your angels are telling you it’s time to let them go and move on. You’re
having this baby Amy.”

GIVEAWAY:

Amy will be awarding a silver chasinghope name necklace to a randomly drawn commenter as well as a randomly drawn host.

Amy Daws is
local network affiliate commercial producer and lives in Sioux Falls, SD with
her husband, Kevin and their daughter, Lorelei. She graduated with honors from
the University of Northern Iowa, despite fiercely executing her wild
college-girl phase. Amy received her make-believe medical degree from the
school of Google on infertility and miscarriage (that’s not a real thing). On
most nights, you can find Amy and her family dancing in their living room to
Strawberry Shortcake’s theme song or stuffing themselves inside children sized
playhouses and then struggling to get back out because there is nothing they
wouldn’t do for their little miracle. She is passionate about sharing her story
and connecting with other women like her that have suffered losses and are in
search of empathy and understanding. Amy held on to hope in her journey because
she knew the payoff of a miracle child would be worth the wait.

Alice nipped at her lower lip. She wanted to see
him again as well, especially since she would need his help getting her necklace back, but what
was she going to tell him? That she was a royal from the future and she really didn't have a place
to stay right now? Besides, she shouldn't be leaving her fingerprints,
either. "Ah, I'm uncertain what my cousin has planned for us."

"Let me remind you that you need your necklace back."
"Perhaps you can give me your scent, and I'll contact you tomorrow with a
whuzzie."

****

Victorian Scoundrel is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book one in "The Windsor Diaries." Alice follows her cousin, Edmund, back in time, but can she stop him from changing history?

Reviews:

Winner: BRONZE 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest, Romance: History

2011 Hope Chest Reviews Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance Series

Long & Short Reviews, 4 Books, Larkspur: It’s the perfect romance if you love the proper etiquette of the Victorian era mixed with the fantasy of time travel. This is the first in this new series and I’m excited to read the next episode."

Scorching Hot Reviews: 4 Stars:

Overall, a fun and breezy read that really doesn’t take itself seriously. With sweet and funny characters, the tale was enjoyable and engaging. A fantastic edition to the steam-punk genre....bring on book two :)

Hope Chest Reviews: 4.5 Stars:

Victorian Scoundrel was a nice easy read, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. The pacing was pretty snappy with the plot moving right along, while the dialog was sharp and sometimes witty.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

It's been a busy month for the "Forget Me Nots" Alzheimer's 5K walk team. As I write this, we have 99 days to go until the walk in Santa Clarita, CA on 20 SEP. Let me tell you a little about the team and we hope you consider helping out.

The team consists of my son and 12 co-workers from LAPD's Valley Communications Dispatch Center. We answer 911 for the city of Los Angeles. It's a challenging job, but we find it rewarding to assist those who need help. If anything, that's the glue that keeps us together – that desire to help those who need it. Not only that, all of us have had Alzheimer's touch our lives one way or another.

Fundraising:

May's opportunity drawing earned the team $242.00. Currently, our day watch is running a coffee club and we've earned $100.00 the 2nd month for a total of 200.00 from coffee club sales.

WE REACHED GOAL! Due to the overwhelming support of my co-workers, our families, and friends, we've reached our $2,000.00 goal, earning to date: $2,055.00. We want to thank everyone who has supported us. ((hugs))

We don't have any more group fundraising events planned, but we would like to encourage you to support the team.

My son (who is also walking) and I know someone who is developing Alzheimer's. The other day we invited her to Easter and she asked for our address. She's been to our house many, many times. It broke my heart. I see the struggle it takes on a family, and I know it's hard. If anyone would like to share their story, please do. Know that you're not alone in your struggles to provide care for your loved one. This is why I walk. To help those family members who care for their loved ones with the disease.

Alzheimer's facts:

In 2013, 15.5 million family and friends provided 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer's valued at 220.2 billion.

Today over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.

1 in 3 people over 85 has Alzheimer's. Andrew's grandmother is 83.

How to obtain a diagnosis:

A doctor will need to evaluate a patient's history, conduct a physical exam, and do a comprehensive neurological evaluation that assesses balance, sensory function, reflexes and vision.

If you have concerns or something doesn't seem right, the sooner you involve a medical professional, the better. Early intervention goes a long way in helping you to prepare for quality of life issues.

Please, if you have a story you'd like to share, we'd love to hear it.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Seventh-grader Mitchell Brant and three of his classmates
inexplicably wake up at the back edge of a softball field to the sounds of a
game, the cheering of the crowd. None of them remembers coming here. And as
they soon learn, “here” is like no place they’ve ever seen. Cars resemble
antiques from the 1950s. There are no cell phones, no PCs. Even the spelling of
words is slightly off.

A compulsive liar, constantly telling fantastic stories to garner
attention and approval, Mitchell can only wish this were just one more of his
tall tales. But it isn’t. It’s all too real. Together, as they confront
unexpected and life-threatening dangers, Mitchell and his friends must overcome
their bickering and insecurities to learn what happened, where they are, and
how to get back home.

The answers can be found only in the mysterious little girl with
the blue, hypnotic eyes. The one they had each dreamed of three nights in a row
before arriving here. She is their only hope. And, as they eventually discover,
they are her only hope.

He
looked away, at the night-shadows on the floor, at the sheets jumbled and strewn
on his bed. Maybe she wasn’t
really out there. Maybe it was
just an illusion, some odd distortion of the light.

He
looked out the window.

She
was still there.

He
felt the fine hairs at the nape of his neck stand up. Gooseflesh, cold against the stifling humidity filtering in
through the open window, speckled his forearms.

The
girl was standing under the streetlamp, looking straight in at him—the same way
she had last night and the night before.
She was just a child, probably no more than seven years old—his sister’s
age. What was she doing out in the
street, alone, well past midnight?
Was she a runaway? And why
had she come three nights in a row?

He
tried to look away again, but he couldn’t. It was as though the girl had cast a spell over him. “What’s with you?” he said to
himself. “Just go back to
sleep.” Instead, he stood up. She had raised her right arm above her
head, waving at him frantically.

“Help
me.” The voice filtered in through
the window. “Why don’t you . .
.?” The girl’s voice. And yet, there was something different
about it, something off. It
sounded hollow, as if it had originated from a dark place, a secret place, cold
like the grave.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Michael will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Please let a comment. Since "The Eye Dancers" is a young adult story, let us know what your favorite young adult story is.Remember, the more you comment the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:

Michael S. Fedison was born in Rochester, New York,
and now lives with his wife, Sarah, and regal cat, Luke, in the green hills of
central Vermont. Michael has been writing creatively for as long as he can
remember, and has had short fiction published in several literary magazines,
including Iconoclast and The Written Word. He works as a full-time technical
writer and also is a freelance proofreader and copy editor.

Michael has been a lover of imaginative stories his
entire life. He enjoys any story that takes you by the hand, lifts you up, and
transports you to another place, a new and creative way of looking at the world
around us.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Mark of
Athena is an adrenaline rush that promises more heat than Leo's fingertips.
Annabeth, Jason, Piper and Leo meet up with Percy, Hazel, and Frank. The quest
is on! Unfortunately, the assembled demigods face one challenge after another
on their trek to find the Mark of Athena.

The story opens
with Annabeth, Jason, Piper, and Leo finding Camp Jupiter. Sadly, the Roman
camp is attacked. Percy and his friends flee in the Argo II with the Romans hot
on their trail.

The novel focuses
on Annabeth and her quest to follow the Mark of Athena. The mark will lead her
to the Athena Parthenos which will unite the Roman and Greek demigods. This is
necessary to take on Gaea and her minions who are threatening to take over the
world.

While not
physically as strong as Jason and Percy, Annabeth finds her cunning and wits
put to the test. She must figure out the map that leads to the Parthenos and
retrieve the statue from its hiding place on her own. Meanwhile her friends
battle Eidolons, sea creatures, and Gaea's minions, while on a mission to free
Nico di Angelo from the grotesque giants, Otis and Ephialtes. Can Percy and his
friends save the day and put Gaea's plans on the rocks?

Riordan's writing
is easy to read. In fact, I had to remind myself to slow down so I didn't miss
anything. He's a master at making Greek and Roman myths interesting to young
readers. His characters are compelling – each layered with flaws and doubts
that make them wonderfully human.

Alternate Cover

The pacing was
perfect. The story opens with an exciting battle and breathless chase, slowing
down in just the right places to let the reader catch their breath before
picking up again. And let's not forget there's an ending that leaves you biting
your nails.

"The Mark of
Athena" is geared for a young adult audience, nine-years-old and above. I
highly recommend it. The story is an exciting read that will leave you
breathless.

Monday, June 9, 2014

A Lady Never Lies will be available for purchase on your Kindle and other reading devices on 11 JUN 2014! It's book 3 in The Windsor Diaries, my steampunk romance series.BLURB:

Jocelyn Dunkirk is not your typical Victorian lady. She dresses in leather, wears goggles, and is not afraid to get a little grease under her fingernails. Gentlemen avoid her like a dirty rivet.

Richard Windsor, the Prince of Wales, travels through time to claim Jocelyn's heart, but if it isn't one challenge, it's another. He determines to be a constant, steady presence in her life, hoping to prove he'd make a worthy husband.

Jocelyn's facing a bucket full of problems. The prime minister wants her to assist in ending a coal strike before it cripples the nation while her father attempts to recover from a serious injury. Will Jocelyn's dedication to her country and family ruin the one chance she has at love?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

She swatted her hand next to her head like she was swatting a fly. Love could flitter away from her heart like a hummingbird for all she cared. Who needed it? Love hurt.

A knock rapped on the door, but before she could voice a reply, Richard walked in. He crossed the room, raw concern splayed over his face and he knelt before her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You look annoyed."

"A lady never cusses," she replied.

His lips tipped in amusement. "What else does a lady never do?"

"They never wear the same dress twice."

He pulled up a chair and sat in front of her. "I believe that."

"And a lady never lies," she said.

He slid his hand over hers and laced their fingers together. A sweet jolt pulsed up her arm and she smiled despite herself.

"So what's bothering you?" he asked.

She sighed and glanced toward the window, her heart at war. To his credit, he remained quiet, waiting for her.

Jocelyn appreciated his patience and his quiet support in this moment. She needed to talk to someone and Richard had always been a good listener. She recalled the previous occasions with him in Lincoln, just talking and it infused her soul with a confidence and hope she hadn't felt in days. She turned to face Richard and drew in a breath.

"My father's lawyer is traveling to Nottingham. He's probably already there. He's supposed to find my cousin, a man I had no idea existed, named Augustus Darling to advise him he's the heir to my father's title and ancestral estates."

"What? How can that be?" Surprise resonated in his voice.

GOODREADS REVIEW:

5 Stars, Julie: This is a fun series. I love the characters from the past being able to experience the future and this wonderful cast of adventurous characters.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment about time traveling (any comment) Who is your favorite time traveler? How do you think people should travel through time? etc... and I'll pick one lucky person to receive a PDF of Book 1, Victorian Scoundrel, in the series.

She hesitated, how could she explain it herself? "I'm not sure, but I have to get it back." "Aren't you a woman of mystery," he replied.
"Well, you have to help me get it back."
He grew serious. "Of course I will. I didn't expect Sir John to take it. I'll get it back for
you as soon as possible."

****

Victorian Scoundrel is a time traveling steampunk romance and is book one in "The Windsor Diaries." Alice follows her cousin, Edmund, back in time, but can she stop him from changing history?

Reviews:

Winner: BRONZE 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest, Romance: History

2011 Hope Chest Reviews Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance Series

Long & Short Reviews, 4 Books, Larkspur: It’s the perfect romance if you love the proper etiquette of the Victorian era mixed with the fantasy of time travel. This is the first in this new series and I’m excited to read the next episode."

Scorching Hot Reviews: 4 Stars:

Overall, a fun and breezy read that really doesn’t take itself seriously. With sweet and funny characters, the tale was enjoyable and engaging. A fantastic edition to the steam-punk genre....bring on book two :)

Hope Chest Reviews: 4.5 Stars:

Victorian Scoundrel was a nice easy read, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. The pacing was pretty snappy with the plot moving right along, while the dialog was sharp and sometimes witty.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Five complete sweet to sensual stories from five multi-talented authors in settings to make any summer occasion more special for 2.99. Included are:

Meet Me In Seattle by Markee Anderson Madysen Duke has been coerced to participate in a reality show with her teacher friends. But little does she know, her high school flame is also along for the ride, with intentions much different from hers. Even though she's out for the money, he's trying to thwart whatever crime is happening right before their eyes.

Arrow Through The Heart by Stephanie Burkhart (my story)Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?

Taking Liberty by Gerald Costlow Liberty "Libby" Bell is a waitress at a roadside diner, trying to hide from an abusive ex-boyfriend who refuses to leave her alone. She strikes up a romance with Roger, a hunky local fireman, and seems to be getting her life back into gear. Then her ex-boyfriend tracks her down.

Will she be forced to leave Roger and run away again, or see the ex-boyfriend and risk a violent confrontation?

And if that isn't enough to handle, suddenly there's a serial killer in their midst.

Marcy’s Struggle by Larry Hammersley Marcy Mason is in her final year of graduate school, pursuing a PhD in chemistry. She has brains and looks, but struggles in the romance department. She met Ross Franklin in undergraduate school when she was a senior; he was a freshman and second-string quarterback. Her problem – she was hung up on Leroy Doyle at the time.

Leroy is married and moved away, but Ross, now star quarterback, isn't convinced she’s over Leroy. When Leroy arrives on campus to give a lecture, Marcy must make all the arrangements. After contact with Leroy, Marcy admits to what she’s known all along—she’s over Leroy and wants Ross in her life. Can she convince Ross to look past their different backgrounds and give love a chance?

The Garden by Jory Sherman Summer brings forth fresh vegetables in the garden and with them, the ultimate fight against insects and wild critters to protect those vegetables. Harvey enjoys his garden, especially the corn – watching it grow, providing food for his beloved wife Ruth. Then, something unusual happens in the garden and his corn begins to disappear.-- The Anthology is avail in ebook and in print. Buy Links:AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00KMJB4NGSMASHWORDS:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/442711

2012 Romance of the Year

Journey of the Heart

AMAZON BEST SELLER! It's 1946 - can James help Rachel save her winery after the ravages of war?

Visit me on Twitter at: StephBurkhart

My Official Online Newsletter

I release my official online newsletter once a month, around the middle of the month. The newsletter includes: a genre writing article, self-editing tips, news from the publishing world, a look at a small press, a receipe, reviews, and announcements. The newsletter is free. Just fill out the form and send it in.

To comply with new FTC regulations, please assume all books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher or the author. Please note links to buy books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog.

***********

Quotes on writing:

"Transitions are critically important. I want the reader to turn the page without thinking she's turning the page. It must flow seamlessly." - Janet Evanovich

"You can stroke people with words."~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Words are... the most powerful drug used by mankind."~ Rudyard Kipling

Write drunk; edit sober.- Ernest Hemingway

"A word is deadWhen it is said, Some say.I say it just Begins to liveThat day."~ Emily Dickenson

"Never Regret. If it's good, it's

wonderful. If it's bad, it's

experience." - Victoria Holt

By Heart and Compass

Recommended Read: Danielle Thorne's released, July 2010

Recommended Read:

"Drew realizes the true meaning behind her need for touch, when a tiger shark shifter walks out of her dreams and takes her to his underwater world."

About Me

A member of Generation X, Stephanie was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. After graduating from Central High, she joined the U.S. Army. She spent 11 years in the military, 7 stationed in Germany. While in the military she earned her B.S. in Political Science from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA in 1995. She left the Army in 1997 and settled in California. She now works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. The New England Patriots are still her favorite football team. Stephanie has been married for over 19 years. She has two boys, Andrew, 8, and Joseph, 4.